| Santa Cruz CountyHorsemen's Association |
3/1/19 email from Calah Pasley:
The County of Santa Cruz has released its initial CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) study of the Land Trust's plans to build 38 miles of trails through San Vicente Redwoods.
The report finds that the trails will have "less than significant" impact on nature — and that is exactly what we and our partners hoped to achieve in designing these trails.
Posted on Land Trust of Santa Cruz County website April 18, 2018:
After five years of work, the access plan for San Vicente Redwoods has been approved by the four partners (the Land Trust, POST, Sempervirens Fund, and Save the Redwoods League). Yes, you can cheer!
You can find out more by reading the plan, a fact sheet, or our FAQs.
What took so long, you ask? The list of experts we consulted (in the plan) gives you some idea – we talked with lots and lots of people. We did so because the goal is to provide access AND protect the natural resources of this property. The plan calls for 38 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding – and for all sorts of protections of the natural resources on the property.
Over 90% of the 8,500 acres will be closed to access to protect wildlife and natural resources. Sixteen bridges will span the full creek to reduce erosion. All users will have to sign in, and the property will be patrolled by Sheriff’s Deputies.
All these things remain a year or two away. We will seek permits for construction this year and hope to begin construction next spring – which would mean that the first 10 miles of trails will be open next year!
We know it’s been a long time coming. We’re doing something that has never been done before – four nonprofit conservation groups are creating a defacto state park. We bought the land, developed the plan, will pay for and build the trails, and will operate and care for the land and the trails.
That’s a tall order and the completion of the plan is a big step towards getting it all done. How about another cheer?